26 Outdoor Cinemas to Turn Your Movie Night Into an Adventure

Warm summer nights ache for the kinds of elevated outdoor activities that remind us of a time gone by. For most, going to the movies was a summer highlight, crunchy popcorn and sweet candy mixed with the flash bangs of a good blockbuster and maybe even the sweaty hand-holding flushes of first love. It’s not at all surprising how watching a movie under a star-filled sky brings those long ago summers back so easily. From watching a film in an open field, to a beach, rooftop or even in a hot tub, here are the 24 coolest outdoor cinemas for the summer.

Sala Equis

Madrid, Spain

A former adult film cinema, Sala Equis is now a design dream of a movie viewing experience in Madrid. Available for group events, date nights and solo movie going, Sala Equis has a perfectly snackable food menu and adult-beverage menu. Be sure to keep an eye on the online ticket office for independent films, big name movies and documentaries.

One&Only Reethi Rah

Maldives

One&Only Reethi Rah is an all-villa, all-indulgent luxury resort in the Maldives. At this vibrant island playground you’ll enjoy world-class spa treatments over the sea, overwater villas with lap pools, 12 beaches, 40 pools, a variety of state-of-the-art water sports as well as a Maldivian movie night on the beach you’ll dream about for the rest of your days.

Rooftop Cinema

Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Owned and operated by a sharp team of creatives, Rooftop Cinema is Australia’s best-loved rooftop bar and outdoor cinema in the summer. Built to be an elevated escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, head to this radiant rooftop for classic films, mouthwatering food and hand-crafted cocktails. While the rooftop bar is open all year-round, the outdoor cinema is only open during the summer and will commence programming in December 2018.

DIY Your Own

Without having to leave the house, create a dreamy DIY outdoor cinema of your own. Mix and match your favorite textured throw pillows and blankets, string up some bistro lights, set up a screen (even an ironed bed-sheet will do) and invite your bests over for a movie night to remember. Vintage Volkswagen van not required, but in the famous words of Wooderson from Dazed and Confused, “it’d be a lot cooler if you did.”

Soneva Jani is a ultra luxe resort in the Maldives comprised of a collection of 25 water villas and island sanctuaries set within a magical lagoon and flanked by pristine beaches, giving those lucky enough to visit a true castaway experience. In addition to certain villas having waterslides and retractable roofs, check out Cinema Paradiso, the overwater, open air cinema of your dreams. Located in a tranquil bay just south of the island, their chef will create a perfect menu to accompany each evening’s film.

Sotto le stelle del Cinema

Bologna, Italy

Sotto le stelle del Cinema or “under the stars of the cinema” is a truly beautiful open air cinema experience in Bologna, Italy projecting classic silent films on Europe’s largest outdoor screen with a live orchestra in the magnificent Piazza Maggiore. The experience runs for free on summer evenings from mid-June to August 15th (subject to change).

Satori Yacht

Italy & France

For an out-of-this-world bucket list movie-going experience, charter Satori Yacht, where you’ll watch a film on the open-air deck of a traditional wooden schooner while enjoying the comforts of a five-star boutique hotel. Besides being inspired by 1920’s and 30’s elegance and infused with state-of-the-art amenities like a luxury spa and Michelin-starred chefs, your experience also includes cutting-edge water toys for land and water including Gocycle G3 electric bikes, seabobs, a Ringo and a jet tender.

Foreign Cinema

San Francisco, California

An enduring and magical setting for a film and a feast in San Francisco, Foreign Cinema is a restaurant that combines beautiful food, wine and fine art. Dine a deaux for a date night to remember or book the Mezzanine with 40 of your closest pals. Each film runs for an entire month, currently it’s Eve’s Bayou on the schedule until May 13th.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Oman

Nestled between a long, scenic private beach and freshwater lagoon, Salalah’s first and only luxury pool villa resort also reflects Oman’s rich cultural heritage. Walk through lush gardens, relax at the infinity pool or white sandy beach, explore archaeological ruins – or soak up precious frankincense in exclusive spa rituals. In addition to all of these luxury amenities, you’ll enjoy once-in-a-lifetime bespoke experiences like watching your favorite film on a big screen on the pristine and private beach.

Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow

Austin, Texas

For more than a decade, the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow has presented incredible outdoor film screenings of famous movies in unique places. Think one-of-a-kind movie adventures like “Jaws on the Water,” where for the price of a ticket you’ll watch the scariest shark movie of all time from an inner tube in the middle of Austin’s Lake Travis. Also notable is their Stunt Ranch Series - check out a showing of Independence Day on 4th of July complete with synchronized fireballs and fireworks.

The Miami Beach EDITION pairs the intimacy and style of a boutique hotel with the amenities of a luxury resort. Included in the luxurious amenities are ocean-view accommodations, a luxury spa, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Matador Room, Market and the BASEMENT entertainment hub. In addition, you’ll want to check out The Sandbox, which includes hammocks, low-lying beds, a ping pong table and an option for an outdoor movie screen for special events.

Rooftop Cinema Club

New York, New York

Opening for the summer season on May 25th at SkyLawn at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Rooftop Cinema Club is New York’s preeminent outdoor cinema “social club.” Boasting sweeping city views from the rooftop, pop on a pair of (provided) wireless headphones and take in an iconic movie while settled into a comfy deck chair as the sun sets.

Cinema Paradiso Ibiza

Ibiza, Spain

Cinema Paradiso is a luxurious open air cinema in Ibiza boasting five different, yet exquisite venues. Watch a film under the stars at Baluard de Sant Pere – a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by the walls of the old city, at the Amante Beach Club – perched prettily on a cliff overlooking the Sol D’en Serra Bay, on the beach at Cala Llonga, at Hotel Paradiso – the island’s first all-pink art hotel located on the bay of San Antionio or poolside at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

First of all, if you’re at Six Senses Con Dao luxury resort in the archipelago islands of Vietnam you are winning at life. Secondly, after a relaxing day of beach-going, massages in a luxury spa or having a catered picnic in any number of picturesque locations, settle into a hammock at their open air “jungle cinema,” for a little star viewing under the stars.

Filmfestival am Rathausplatz

Vienna, Austria

One of the largest culture and culinary festivals in Europe, Filmfestival am Rathausplatz is located in Vienna, Austria and delights over 900,000 visitors from June 30th to September 2nd 2018, free of charge. The festival is a mix of films from all genres, musical programming including classic and pop rock, jazz and rock-and-roll and food from over 26 top restaurants. Films begin at nightfall but food is served starting at 11am.

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Street Food Cinema

Los Angeles, California

Launched in 2012, Street Food Cinema brings together the best in pop culture films, gourmet street food and progressive new music in Los Angeles and San Diego. With 14 venues spread out over Los Angeles and 5 in San Diego, this is more of a movement than a series. Buy a season pass for $175 and enjoy outdoor entertainment every Saturday night from April-October.

Hottub Cinema

UK, New York and Ibiza

Your movie-going experience will never be the same after you hop into a hot tub with pals on a rooftop in London, New York or Ibiza. What began with a private party and one hot tub eight years ago has now expanded to three cities, 30 hot tubs and a bespoke surround-sound system. Hot Tub Cinema’s guests are encouraged to dress up, sing, dance, drink, play and most of all, enjoy classic films alongside friends old and new... while inside a hot tub. Book a whole tub for you and six or eight pals or purchase a single ticket to share with others and make a few new friends along the way.

Cinespia

Los Angeles, California

One of the most iconic if not macabre outdoor cinemas in the world, Cinespia is located at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, resting place of some of Tinseltown’s most beloved stars. Running since 2002 and showcasing the best of classic and popular film, Cinespia cemetery screenings feature pre-show DJs, themed photo booths, a picnic at a gorgeous Hollywood landmark and even occasional visits by stars, directors and filmmakers. Starting May 12th and running every Saturday until September, get your tickets to one of Hollywood's must-do experiences of the summer.

Locarno Film Festival

Locarno, Switzerland

For the past 70 years in August, the world-famous Locarno Film Festival transforms the city’s spectacular Piazza Grande into Europe’s largest open-air cinema, with seats for 8,000 people. Throughout its long history, it has welcomed stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Jean-Luc Godard, Quentin Tarantino, Susan Sarandon, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Juliette Binoche, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel and Adrien Brody along with enthusiastic film-goers. The enormous screen and state-of-the-art sound system combined with emerging filmmaking talent and elegant architecture make this Swiss film festival a must-do for any adventurous cinephile.

Much like it’s Vietnamese counterpart, Six Senses Yao Noi sets the benchmark for beautiful resort living in Thailand. Besides the luxurious accommodations, you’ll choose from a variety of bespoke adventures like a mangrove kayak tour, muay thai boxing class or a private island bbq on the beach. Finish up the day watching a classic movie in the open air cinema under the stars.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Los Angeles, California

Much like it’s New York counterpart, Rooftop Cinema Club brings a social cinema club cool to not one, but three rooftops in Los Angeles. Expect the same spectacular amenities as the New York club, such as wireless headphones, cool and comfy striped deck chairs, iconic movies and spectacular views. Check out Rooftop Cinema Club in Downtown LA at LEVEL as of May 8th, in Hollywood at Neuehouse, starting June 7th, and The Montalban open as of May 8th.

Ciné Society

Lisbon, Portugal

Ciné Society is the ultimate open air cinema in Lisbon, Portugal, where no divine detail has been overlooked. In 2018, Ciné Society returns to Topo Chiado, one of the most beautiful rooftops in Lisbon. Pull up a deck chair and look to your right for a view over the city and the 120-year-old Elevador de Santa Justa, look to the left for the ruins of the Convento da Ordem do Carmo. Pop on a pair of the provided wireless headphones, sip on chilled bubbly or a craft beer from the bar and watch a classic film by the light of the moon.

St Albans Film Festival

St Albans, United Kingdom

The fifth international St Albans Film Festival is gearing up to take place June 26th-July 1st 2018 with a short-film competition, film screenings, workshops and other film-themed events throughout the city. The prestigious film festival also includes a magnificent open-air cinema in Abbey Orchard from Wednesday, June 27th through Sunday, July 1st Tickets are on sale now here.

The Galileo Open Air Cinema

Cape Town, South Africa

The Galileo Open Air Cinema is Cape Town’s preeminent open air theater rotating between ten breathtaking venues almost every night of the week. When the sun sets, expect a glittering line-up of romantic comedies, cult classics, musicals, adventure sports and documentaries under a canopy of stars. Each night is a unique experience that starts at 6pm on weekdays, 5pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays, accented by a mouth-watering artisanal food and drinks menu, interactive games and lively music.

The Luna Cinema

United Kingdom

The Luna Cinema is the UK’s number one open air cinema, boasting 65 venues including Westminster Abbey. Watch a classic film in the shadow of some of the UK’s most historic and beautiful landmarks while enjoying food and drinks from gourmet partners, where applicable.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz, California

If you’re looking for a true nostalgic summer night, pack up your beach blanket and picnic basket and settle into the sand to watch a classic movie every Wednesday night at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, starting June 20th with 80’s classic The Lost Boys. This magical setting means the giant screen is on the beach adjacent to the twinkling lights of the world-famous Giant Dipper roller coaster with the sweet smells of kettle corn, corn dogs and salt water taffy permeating the air.

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